Today I turn 37.

I say this so I can recount the year. Put it into perspective. And think about the showing of age:

Late thirties. That is what thirty seven is.

About three years ago I noticed that when I would put on my eyeshadow the whole eyelid would move. It was the first sign I noticed of me getting older. And it was an unexpected one. Eyelids moving? Who knew?

Stray hairs. Then two years ago I started getting a random wiry white hair that would protrude from my chin. I like to think that this started happening two years ago because that is when I first noticed it. And by that time it had grown rather long. Now I search for that beast at every make up session and it is always with great joy when he is eradicated.

Laugh lines. I do not know when these came. They snuck up on me. I remember when my Auntie M took my friend and me to Maui at the age of fourteen. I hate getting my face wet and we were going snorkeling. You can see the odds were not in my favor. The captain tried to cheer me up by saying, “Come on. Smile. Show me those laugh lines.” And I did smile but then he lamented that I had no laugh lines. And it was said with such a sadness that I vowed one day to have my very own laugh lines.

Well, now I do.

And I can now say there’s a lot to be said for remaining stoic.

It is hard to believe, but sometimes the best beauty advice does not come from a boat captain.

Regardless of of those things, the older I get, the more comfortable I am in my own skin. I feel more myself as time passes. And I am looking forward to the years ahead.

What did thirty six mean to me? What did I accomplish at the age of thirty six? Thirty four had me losing weight. Thirty five had me starting a blog. Thirty six I… I got nothin’. So, I better get started on somethin’ so that next year’s question does not result in the same sad answer.

Today will be spent swimming and reading. I still have not decided what I want for my birthday dinner. My husband and kids will be making me my favorite kind of cake: yellow with chocolate frosting. I can’t wait!

As for gifts: I asked for this dress in ivory and my husband purchased this necklace from Etsy two months ago when I asked for it for my birthday. I cannot wait to finally get to wear it!

What do you request for your birthday dinner? Your cake? Do you go out or stay home? I need ideas!